PREMIER VISIT TO LISMORE TOP PRIORITY

Executive Director Elly Bird, who has been running the volunteer organisation to help Lismore residents to get back into their homes.

“It is amazing that the premier has come to the Lismore community and seen we have a long way to go,” said Ms Bird.

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By SAMANTHA ELLEY

It was a headlock by the mayor that convinced him to visit flood-ravaged Lismore, the newly elected NSW Premier Chris Minns joked as he walked the streets of the city last week.

Mayor Steve Krieg insisted it was just an arm squeeze.

“It was really important for me to ask Chris to come up as soon as possible and full credit to our premier for following through on that,” he said.

“You always get a little bit nervous when there is a change of government because there is always a change of priorities.”

The Premier heeded the request and visited local businesses and the Living Lab Northern Rivers, with a final stop at Resilient Lismore.

“This visit has been an opportunity for the incoming government to say to the community in Lismore and the Northern Rivers, they won’t be forgotten,” said Premier Minns.

“It’s really important the new government sends the message to the business and to the community who live in this part of NSW that we are there with them for the long haul.

“We know the rebuilding effort is going to take many years.

“We know the capital and investment from the NSW government and the Commonwealth government must continue to flow so that Lismore can rebuild and that promises made are promises kept, even if those promises are made by a government of a different political persuasion.”

As well as Cr Krieg, State MP Janelle Saffin helped host the premier on his visit to the area “What I would like to see change is more transparency in what the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation are doing and feel our sense of urgency,” she said.

“At the same time, we have to work with the community about expectations and give realistic timelines.

“I’d really appreciate it if the NRRC could lay out their program of works over the next week or two.”

On his visit to Resilient Lismore, Premier Minns met and spoke with

“It is reassuring he has Lismore and the Northern Rivers front and centre.” Ms Bird went through the project they have in partnership with the Reece Foundation where a $5 million commitment was made by the Labor government to continue its work.

“We will be able to help more people get into their homes,” said Ms Bird.

“We have already helped 80 homes build two rooms and provided 71 others with essential plumbing.”

The premier was suitably impressed with the work done by and for the community so far.

“You have created something special here,” he said.